While the undersigned individuals and groups have different ideas about how the state government in Illinois should be run, we all agree that a new constitutional convention should be approved by the voters of Illinois in the November 4 election to allow for a much-needed free and open discussion and debate on a variety of issues regarding accountability of state public officials, how our state and local governments are funded, electoral and campaign finance reform, and priorities for state funding of education, health care, transportation, housing and other basic needs.
There are some in opposition to the constitutional convention who claim that we are out to change the entire constitution or restrict our civil liberties or deny pensions to our teachers or other public employees. This is not true. Therefore, we are issuing a public statement that if the voters approve a new constitutional convention November 4 we, the undersigned, will follow the following principles:
1. We will not attempt to rewrite the constitution but rather offer specific amendments that will each be subject to ratification individually by the voters.
2. We will limit the amendments we offer to the issues of accountability, funding, electoral and campaign finance reform, and priorities for state government.
3. We will encourage and support to run as delegates to the constitutional convention only those who are presently not elected or appointed public officials or their staff members
(signed)
Organizations:
United Power for Action and Justice
Individuals (affiliations for identification only):
Gregory F. Augustine Pierce (ACTA Publications and St. Mary of the Woods Catholic Church)
John Owens, Nick Brunick (Ascension Catholic Church)
John Bouman (Grace Lutheran Church)
Rev. Edward J. Cronin, Deacon Jim Horton (St. Alexander Church)
Kathleen M. Kearns (Kearns Design Group and St. Viator Catholic Church)
Charlie Roche, Charles Martinez, M.D. (St. Viator’s Catholic Church)
Ramon Sanchez (Hispanic Advisory Council of Des Plaines)
Anna Marie Santo Mesia (Mary, Seat of Wisdom Catholic Church)
Rev. James L. Risk (Bishop Anderson House)
Rev. Alan Ragland, Stephen Dunning (Third Baptist Church)
Edward T. Chambers, Industrial Areas Foundation
Dr. Lora Chamberain, coordinator The Vote Yes on the ConCon Coalition
